When seeds are sown correctly, we shouldn’t be surprised by what grows. That logic dictates that when your early vocation comes as a Bad Boy, you’re bound by projection to have a work ethic of a Mad Man. That’s been the literal career trajectory for rapper and entrepreneur Jay Jenkins, better known by his professional moniker “Jeezy.”
In 2005, Jeezy, who was a burgeoning solo artist, found himself as one-quarter of the group Boyz n da Hood, a part of the Bad Boy Records roster. With a top 5 chart debut it appeared that dem boyz were set to carry the Bad Boy baton until the next wave of hitmakers of the label revealed themselves. While the expectations of the group fell short, Jeezy, who was also signed as a soloist, dropped a game-changing project with his Def Jam debut cd “Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101.” Fifteen years have passed and with four platinum and a gold disc attributed to his nine studio albums, plus the countless street anthems, Jeezy has a rock-solid position in the annals of hip hop.
But the grind don’t stop there. His entrepreneurial business ventures include a fitness water Defiance Fuel, which is launching a new sports drink in addition to their ultra-hydration water; his partnership in the Atlanta location of American Cut Steakhouse; and his ongoing incentivized partnership with Avion Tequila. Jeezy has now teamed up with FOX Soul for his very own talk show, “Worth A Conversation with Jay ‘Jeezy’ Jenkins.” The show holds conversations on topics that resonate within the Black community and intersect entertainment, sports, politics, social justice and the roller coaster of life as a whole.
“It has been my passion and my drive to inspire, motivate and educate my culture,” said Jenkins in the official press release. “Every song I’ve ever written, every word I’ve uttered came from a real place and this is no different. ‘Worth A Conversation’ is self-explanatory. I will talk about issues that directly affect my culture and its people. From the front porch conversations to real-life situations, ‘Worth A Conversation’ is bridging the gap. I’m excited to be a part of the FOX Soul family and can’t wait to introduce you to Jay ‘Jeezy’ Jenkins.” You can peep the show at 7 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. ET. “Worth A Conversation” will be streamable on the FOX Soul app (on your mobile app or smart TV) or on foxsoul.tv.
Since his last album release, rumors were abounding that the accomplished rapper was about to bow out of the music game. You could pump the brakes on those reports as he’s back in a big way with album number 10, “THE RECESSION 2,” slated for a Def Jam release. As part of the rollout Jeezy aka the Snowman partnered with media mogul and radio hall of famer Charlamagne Tha GOD and iHeartMedia’s The Black Effect Podcast Network for “The (Re)Session Podcast by Jeezy,” a new weekly 8-episode limited podcast series. Episodes of “The (Re)Session Podcast by Jeezy” will take their cues from song titles with subjects such as mental health, economics, prison reform, police brutality, grief, systemic racism, community and spirituality.
“I’m excited to partner with my trusted friend Charlamagne and the Black Effect Podcast Network/iHeart media team,” said Jeezy. “As I make the next moves in my career, I can think of no better partner to help amplify my voice and expand my reach than my brother Charlamagne, who has built an incredible, groundbreaking brand in the media space.”
“Jeezy has been a motivator with his words for years,” said Charlamagne Tha God. “His life experiences have inspired so many through music and now he will do the same with his podcast. It feels great to have him as a partner and hopefully we can make the list of extraordinary plugs that he’s had throughout his many lives!”
At the time of its 2008 release “The Recession” boasted of the 1st African American male as the nation’s executive in chief. Coincidently, the 2020 sequel “The Recession 2” coincides with the election of the 1st African American vice president. Another commonality Jeezy hopes would occur is the amount of music deemed classic by his huge fanbase. That album was supported by five singles: “Put On” featuring Kanye West, “Vacation,” “Crazy World,” “My President” featuring Nas, and “Who Dat.” Advancing the eagerly awaited “The Recession 2” is the aptly titled new single + video “Back” featuring Yo Gotti. The more hits acquired, the better as Jeezy will engage in another project guaranteed to be a million plus view fest. “Put a date on it…I ain’t gonna meet you there, I’m gonna beat you there,” was the call Jeezy issued to a formidable opponent for a rhyme for rhyme, song for song, hit for hit duel. Season 2 of VERZUZ premieres November 19 as Jeezy will take on his ATL brethren T.I.
YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!
Over and out, Holla next week. Til then, enjoy the nightlife.